Guild Hall will debut The Innovators Talk Show on Friday, Oct. 17, launching a new series aimed at exploring forward-thinking ideas across industries. The first episode will feature marketing executive Malcolm Carfrae in conversation with Guild Hall Executive Director Andrea Grover.
Described as a platform to inspire creativity in business, the talk show is designed as a conversation rather than a lecture. The program will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Guild Hall, 158 Main St., and will also be available as a podcast at a later date.
In an interview with South Shore Press, Grover called Carfrae “one of the leading voices in communications, marketing, public relations and events.” Carfrae previously served as head of communications at Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. He founded Carfrae Consulting in 2016.
“His trajectory from leadership roles at Calvin Klein to Ralph Lauren, and his founding of Carfrae Consulting in 2016, encompasses the advent of social media, which Malcolm adopted early, launching the legendary ‘My Calvins’ campaign,” Grover said. “In addition to working with global brands, he has special insight into the Hamptons, where his clients include Wölffer Estate Vineyard and The Hedges Inn.”
Carfrae is also co-founder of the Australian Fashion Foundation, a U.S. nonprofit supporting the development of emerging fashion talent. Originally from Sydney, Australia, he began his career at Bryan Morel Public Relations in London and has worked with fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands for more than 20 years.
Guild Hall views this event as the first in a broader series.
“Guild Hall features exceptional presenters from every cultural field. The talk show format (also to be released as a podcast) enables us to delve deep into creative conversations and share professional expertise with an expanded, online audience,” Grover said.
Future episodes will explore topics such as artificial intelligence and the creator economy.
“‘The Innovators’ name means each featured guest will be looking around the corner in their respective fields,” Grover said.
Grover added that the content is designed to benefit individuals across industries.
“The content of The Innovators Talk Show is for anyone in business (as a sole proprietor or in a corporate role). We are starting with communications because this subject is essential to the success of any enterprise today.”
Grover, a writer, curator and arts leader with more than 25 years of experience, also spoke about her personal enthusiasm for the series.
“I love talking,” she said. “But I also admire individuals who are constantly evolving and looking for ways to achieve excellence.”
The talk show is part of Guild Hall’s Community Pillars program, which Grover described as “a group of philanthropic businesses that provide support for Guild Hall through an annual $1,000 contribution.”
“Pillars sign on because they recognize Guild Hall as a rare asset that adds to the vitality and economy of the region. In exchange for joining Community Pillars, Guild Hall offers free access to programs like The Innovators Talk Show, learning and networking opportunities, and business name inclusion in printed acknowledgments and advertisements,” she said.
Tickets to the Oct. 17 event are $20, with a discount available for Guild Hall members. Tickets can be purchased at guildhall.org.